Excessive-heat warnings issued for Arizona

May. 30, 2012 11:47 PMThe Republic | azcentral.com

It's here, Arizona. The first heat wave of the year, approaching the psychological barrier of 110 degrees, arrives today.

The National Weather Service predicts a blistering 109 for today's high, which would tie the record. On Friday, temperatures are expected to edge even higher, to 112, the Weather Service says. That date's record is 110.

The Weather Service has issued an excessive-heat warning for most of Maricopa County for today and Friday. The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

"This is Phoenix and it's a dry run for the rest of summer," Weather Service meteorologist Mike Bruce said.

The high temperature should dip slightly Saturday, which is forecast to reach 106, and Sunday, which is expected to hit 103 degrees.